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» Three year extension of funding granted to some AOD service providers

Three year extension of funding granted to some AOD service providers

Date posted: 24 May 2012

Following recent announcements that some alcohol and other drug (AOD) service providers would no longer receive Federal Government funding as part of the Budget 2012-13, some services have been granted a three-year reprieve.

The original announcement provoked concern among many AOD sector leaders and service providers about the impact the funding changes would have on people who had problems with substance use, particularly vulnerable groups such as Indigenous populations.

However, the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) announced that an additional 72 applicants would receive funding for three years, while work would be undertaken to map how AOD services could be delivered in the future to avoid gaps and duplication of resources. In statements on updated sections of their funding information pages, DoHA has said:

'To ensure that those currently receiving services are not left without essential care and support the Department has carefully assessed the services provided by currently funded organisations that have not been shortlisted, those that will be provided by newly funded organisations or other services, and where critical service gaps may arise.

'As a result, some currently funded projects will be extended for another three years, to enable organisations to continue to deliver the services they currently perform. This will only occur where potential critical service gaps have been identified and for organisations that are currently performing satisfactorily under their current agreements.'

The announcement applies to two government funds:

Substance misuse service delivery grants fund

36 non-shortlisted applicants have received a three-year extension of funding

Non government organisation treatment grants program

42 non-shortlisted applicants have received a three-year extension of funding.